Pistons beat Billups, Nuggets 101-99

AUBURN HILLS, MI – Charlie Villanueva scored 27 points, and Rodney Stuckey had 26 to help the banged-up Detroit Pistons hold on for a 101-99 victory over former teammate Chauncey Billupsand the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

Billups missed a layup in the final seconds, allowing the Pistons to run their winning streak to a season-best four games.

Carmelo Anthony scored 40 points for Denver, Billups had 21 and reserve J.R. Smith added 14. The Northwest Division-leading Nuggets have lost consecutive games for just the second time this season after winning four straight and eight of 10.